Gone too Soon

Today I need to go to calling hours for an old friend's wife. I have known him since we were little, we attended elementary, middle and high school together and went to college together as well. It's been years since I have seen him, but I cannot get his story out of my mind.

He was a newlywed, in fact, just celebrated his 1 year anniversary 13 months ago. And on Monday, he and his wife welcomed their brand new baby, Mason, into this world. The joy they experienced turned tragic as she suffered complications during childbirth and after 2 hours of trying, they couldn't save her. I couldn't imagine the happiest time in your life turning so horrific. Eerily similar to Matt Logelin.

From what I hear of her, she was an amazing woman. And all she wanted to do was be a mom. So she gave the ultimate sacrifice and is now watching over them. Please keep Craig and baby Mason in your thoughts. RIP Paula.

Ironically, Sean has to attend calling hours today as well for a high school classmates mom. He is still recovering from his surgery so this will be an adventure for him. Not sure if he even will be able to get nice clothes on, but luckily his friend Ed is picking him up and helping him to attend. He didn't want to miss it.

What a Debbie Downer of a post, huh? This weekend consists of helping Sean recover and an extra day off of work. I'll take it.

It's been a rough few weeks

A few weeks ago, Sean was playing basketball with the neighborhood men trying to relive their glory days... as he reached over to get the ball, his back completely gave out and he crumbled to the ground. He couldn't get up, was in so much pain. We got him up and moving a little bit, our neighbor Matt who is an athletic trainer tried to help him with some stretches, we put some ice on it, didn't think it was a big deal. He went inside and crawled into bed to lay down.

That night, he couldn't move. His back was causing him so much pain, he couldn't move his legs, it was awful. I didn't know how to help him. It was a struggle to get him to the bathroom... I think it took about 15 minutes of me trying to help him. I remember asking if he needed me to get Matt to come over to help lift him, if he needed me to call an ambulance to get him to a hospital. Everything was a no- but more out of embarrassment.

I got him in the next morning to an orthopedist- thank goodness for friendships that I maintained through my business relationships and having personal email/cell phone numbers. We saw him at 9:30 and after exam and x-rays it was determined that he had a bulging disc and it was degenerative.. so it was bound to happen, it was just a matter of when.He was put on medications, given a shot and about a week later was feeling almost normal again.

And I say almost, because while at the orthopedist, he brought up that he was having issues with what he was presuming was a hernia. He actually brought the hernia up to a different doctor a few years ago and was kind of blown off. The orthopedist confirmed it and referred him to a surgeon who's field handles hernias. Well he saw the surgeon on Thursday (which incidentally was his birthday) and the surgeon said he had a significant tear and wanted to proceed as soon as possible.

So- Monday morning, we went to the hospital and his surgery was complete. We thought it was going to be laparoscopic, but for some reason, he didn't do it that way. He has a significant scar and is in a lot of pain. Thank goodness my mom gave him a cane to use, or else I don't know how he would be getting around. I have taken off of work the last few days to be with him. It's been a rough recovery. Hernia surgery is no joke.

Prepped and ready for surgery

Almost go time

 The board I would monitor to see his status

I'm just glad he's home and waiting for the day he feels normal again. 

Preschool

Since I posted Hunter on his first day of 10th grade, I shouldn't overlook the little ones for their preschool. This was a few days into the new school year (oops).

Owen Preschool 4's and Quinlin Emerging 3's



Owen- 4 Year Well Visit

I took Owen to his 4 year well visit on Wednesday. We absolutely love our pediatrician, so it is never a struggle to get the kids to go happily to the doctor. They even beg to see her when they are sick.
 

 In the waiting area with a picture to color

 Getting his blood pressure checked by our favorite assistant

 Willingly changed and posed in the gown

 and then decided he HATED the gown and couldn't wait to get it off.

 His doctor, to make him more comfortable, started the exam in the little seats before he finally moved up to the exam table.

He did great! Passed his vision and hearing tests with flying colors and is growing healthily!

The stats:

35.6 pounds- 50th percentile

40.5 inches- 40th percentile

BMI- 25th percentile

He really is starting to get long and lean... He is a grazer, so has definitely lost his baby fat simply by not eating huge meals. Though he did have a quality breakfast of 6 donut holes that morning. Quinlin came to the appointment as well and was such a little helper... she had to be in the "know" and watch everything Owen was doing. She even brought him his clothes to change into as soon as he could since he hated the gown. We left, stickers in hand for both, and them both asking when we can go back!

Sophomore

School started yesterday for Hunter... sophomore year.

He.is.so.old!

Wordless Wednesday- Cornhole and Costumes

My kids are intrigued by the game, Corn Hole...

And also with dressing up in costumes...in August

Thank you Pinterest- Individual Seven Layer Dip

One of the things I was so excited to make for Owen's Spiderman Fiesta was a recipe I found on Pinterest. I was scouring the web searching for mexican items and came across this recipe and I had to make it.

Individual Seven-Layer Dips
Makes about 8 individual dips

Ingredients:
1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning
1 cup guacamole or make homemade guacamole
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
1 cup chunky salsa or pico de gallo; or make homemade pico de gallo
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 bunch of green onions, sliced
1 (2.25 ounce) can of sliced olives, drained (I did not use)
9 ounce plastic tumblers
tortilla chips

Note: All measurements are approximate. Depending on whether you want thicker or thinner layers you will need more or less.

Instructions:
In a small bowl mix taco seasoning with refried beans. Some people prefer to mix their taco seasoning with the sour cream layer but I wanted a bright white layer so I did it with the beans.

Here's how the layers are assembled:

Layer 1: beans and taco seasoning
Layer 2: sour cream
Layer 3: guacamole
Layer 4: salsa or pico de gallo
Layer 5: cheese
Layer 6: tomatoes
Layer 7: green onions and olives


In each plastic glass, layer about 2 Tablespoons of the beans, followed by 2 Tablespoons of sour cream, 2 Tablespoons of guacamole, 2 Tablespoons of salsa or pico de gallo, and 2 Tablespoons of cheese. Make sure you drain your salsa or pico to get the excess liquid out before you pour it on. Then top with about 1-2 teaspoons of tomatoes, olives, and green onion (If making ahead of time, wait to add these toppings until shortly before serving).

Garnish with one tortilla chip. Store in the refrigerator until serving and serve with chips. Makes around 8 individual dips.

A fun way to serve the dip and a new way I will be presenting it going forward!

Owen's birthday and party- age 4!!!

August 4, 2012
Owen's birthday was a Saturday this year so we started celebrating on Friday. We sent in cupcakes to share and he was so excited to see his cubby decorated. He proudly wore his birthday crown and sash all day long.

Saturday morning, he woke up all excited that he was now 4.

We watched a little Dora

Opened some presents

ate eggs for breakfast and pb&j for lunch

 The kids played while I prepped for the party. I had to run into work last minute so was prepping and prepping and then was late for our own party. We had the party at Sean's parents house and it was a small little event- just our immediate families, Mexican theme. I think overall everyone had a good time. I served a taco bar, chicken enchiladas, rice, beans and apps of 7 layer dip, chili cream cheese dip, chips and salsa.

The cousins played and then present time!

After the party, we came home and Quinlin opened a little half-birthday gift from my parents (very thoughtful)

And Owen could not stop playing with his new toys